From spring scents and new spas to beloved Irish beauty brands …
1 The Scent
Pink and fluffy scents tend to abound this season, to coincide with the cherry blossom. But cherries are not the only fruit. Instead, we’re drawn to something stronger. Ormonde Jayne’s Bijou Zafran eau de parfum is a rich, leathery mood-lifter. With top notes of pear and saffron, light but spicy, on a robust base of patchouli, sandalwood and musk, this is energising, sultry and memorable (€260).
Bijou Zafran is part of a new trio of scents called Reimagined, each created by a female perfumer. The other two, Patchouli d’Atlas, and Oud Liaisons, also pack a serious punch. Each has a complex and lasting base featuring patchouli, along with a symphony of notes from oud and suede to iris and cardamom.
Incidentally, OJ also do a Sakura perfume (from €45) which is the opposite of fluffy – a lovely way to make the beauty of spring last longer. @ormondejayne
2 The Classic Skincare
Many of us are longtime fans of the Elemis Pro-Collagen skincare line, from the Marine Cream moisturiser to the excellent Cleansing Balms, (€66), available in rose and black cherry as well as the much-loved original. Elemis has just launched additions to the line, including a fun mousse version of the cleansing balm (€55), and a luscious, velvety body cream (€33). We like the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30, too – it’s a one-stop wonder (from €48).
Tip: Boots currently has 20 per cent off selected beauty online including some Elemis products. Also shop at the standalone Elemis boutique in Kildare Village, where you can have a skin consultation.
Recently, we tried out the beautiful Elemis Nourish Facial at Anantara The Marker Dublin, and highly recommend it. The 60-minute Nourish Facial at Anantara Spa is €120 Monday to Thursday; €160 Friday to Sunday. Make time to visit the lovely swimming pool and thermal suite beforehand, too. Book at [email protected]
3 Ireland’s Hottest New Spa
Set to open soon is The Hawthorn by Galway Bay, a 114-room five-star hotel set on a coastal headland near Oranmore, Galway. As part of the €60 million development comes an alluring spa. Along with five treatment rooms, there’s a thermal suite featuring a Sudatorium (a type of steam room), plus Finnish and Infrared saunas, an ice room designed for guided hot-and-cold contrast rituals, and cold plunge pool. We love the sound of the “outdoor seaweed bathing lounge” overlooking Galway Bay, too.
The Hawthorn just announced exclusive partnerships with Tata Harper and Maison Caulières for spa treatments. We’ve long loved the high-performance natural luxury skincare by Tata Harper; The Spa at The Hawthorn will offer a menu of signature facials that combine Tata Harper’s formulations with advanced TheraFace technologies. Maison Caulières, based in the Loire Valley since 1714, has natural oils at its core, with exclusive blends for The Hawthorn that are rich in local plants, flowers and herbs.
“The Spa at The Hawthorn is not just about relaxation, but about reconnection,” says CEO Peter Fitzgerald. “Every detail, from our exclusive product partners to the elemental bathing rituals, is designed to offer our guests a sense of calm and connection that mirrors the beauty of the Galway coast.” A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Hawthorn also features championship golf, and food developed by top chefs including acclaimed Japanese chef Takashi Miyazaki. @thehawthorn_hotel
4 The Green Goddess
One of our favourite Irish beauty brands, Ground Wellbeing, has gained B Corp certification, making it part of the global community of businesses “committed to collective action on society’s most critical challenges”. This is no mean feat, and shows Ground’s commitment to being responsible, transparent and as sustainable as possible. We’re also excited to see what Ground brings to the spa at brand-new hotel The Grace Westport Estate, which is now taking bookings. @ground_wellbeing
5 The Face Oil
We’re enjoying using Ola Oir, a botanical facial oil made in Ireland by Clare O’Connor, who has been selling it at markets locally in Derry. This is plant-powered beauty at its most gentle: it’s a blend of sweet almond, sea buckthorn rosehip, rose, jasmine, neroli and lavender oils, and is made in Ireland. “Time and time again, customers tell us how often they’re complimented on their skin since incorporating it into their routine,” says O’Connor, who sees a great many return customers – always a good sign. A green genie. It’s stocked at a handful of stores in Derry and Donegal, (€45 for 30ml). Check the website for more stockists. @_olaoir_
